MEREDITH — Inter-Lakes Elementary School recently reached its start-up fundraising goal and has broken ground for the school's latest project—a greenhouse that will be used as a "Living Classroom," providing unique opportunities for hands-on, experiential learning for all Pre-K – 6th grade students who attend the school.

The Living Classroom will be used for a wide range of teaching and learning experiences that cut across all areas of the curriculum, including reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Lessons can all be taught in new and innovative ways using the greenhouse as a springboard for experiential education. According to the project's website, "the Living Classroom will allow teachers to teach differently and students to learn differently, resulting in increased student investment in school and a growth in student achievement."

Mill Falls at the Lake was one of the major contributors to the project, helping Inter-Lakes Elementary School (I-LES) reach its initial fundraising goal by donating $10,000 toward the expenses of bringing the Living Classroom to life. "I-LES students and educators have an amazing opportunity in front of them and Mill Falls is proud to support their efforts, " said Michelle Brown, Marketing Director at Mill Falls at the Lake.

"We have reached our financial goal of $65,000 and the Mill Falls donation was instrumental in helping us get there," said Dr. Steven Kelley, principal of I-LES. "The $65,000 we have raised will cover the costs for the construction of the greenhouse. However, future donations are still needed in order for us to furnish the inside of the greenhouse. We need a sink, potting benches, tools, and timbers to build raised beds." So far, all funds raised toward the project have been through community contributions. The school has not received any federal or state grants for the Living Classroom.

Currently, all the site-work for the greenhouse is complete, the foundation has been poured, and construction of the framing began last Friday. The polycarbonate is being applied to the roof and sides of the greenhouse this week and then they will finish the interior by building a paver walkway and creating the growing beds. Dr. Kelley hopes the Living Classroom will be completed by mid-October. "We will be having a ribbon cutting ceremony and inviting the community and all donors to share in the celebration," he said.

"I am extremely excited about what the Living Classroom Greenhouse will do for our students," continued Dr. Kelley. "The learning opportunities are endless and the greenhouse will provide a wonderful year-round learning venue for hands-on learning. The thing I'm most surprised (and thankful) about has been the tremendous community support for this project—both financial support and volunteer support—to make this happen. People truly believe in this project and support what it will do to promote active student learning."

Located on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, Mill Falls at the Lake comprises four charming Inns, all within walking distance: Mill Falls, Bay Point, Chase House, and Church Landing. In addition to boasting the finest hotel accommodations in the Lakes Region, Mill Falls features the world-class Cascade Spa, Sacred Waters Yoga Studio, seven extraordinary restaurants, twelve unique shops in the Mill Falls Marketplace, and a vibrant Main Street community. Through a perfect blend of historic preservation and renovation, Meredith has been transformed into a quintessential New England destination. The common thread throughout all of Mill Falls is the superior attention to detail and renowned customer service. For more information, visit www.millfalls.com or call 800-622-6455.

GILMANTON — Meredith author Peter Miller will speak about the abolitionist activity that occurred in the Lakes Region and vicinity during the last three decades of slavery in America, on Tuesday, October 7 at 6 p.m. at the Gilmanton Year-Round Library.

In 1835, three years after the New England Antislavery Society became the first group to advocate the immediate and unconditional abolition of slavery, similar anti-slavery groups were formed in a number of New Hampshire towns, and the New Hampshire Antislavery Society held its first annual convention. However, the radical abolition of slavery was unpopular even in the North at this time, and these abolitionists were censured and attacked. Miller will describe the successes and reverses experienced by New Hampshire abolitionists that year. Many women wished to participate in the crusade against slavery, too. Because most men of that era did not welcome women’s involvement in political or social causes, the women formed their own anti-slavery societies to insure that they, too, could contribute to the abolition of slavery. Miller will describe how this issue fractured the anti-slavery movement in New Hampshire, and he will depict how women defied gender stereotypes to persevere in their mission In 1850, the passage of the heinous Fugitive Slave Act led many more Northerners to become radical abolitionists. Miller will identify the principal components of this Federal legislation, and he will describe how abolitionists attempted to thwart enforcement of this Act politically and through civil disobedience, such as the forceful rescue of arrested fugitives and participation in the Underground Railroad. One local person who was highly involved in the anti-slavery effort was the Lakes Region’s legendary Jane Varney Durgin, a Quaker who was born and raised in Wolfeboro and who lived in Sandwich most of her adulthood. Though not one of the foremost abolitionists in New Hampshire, she worked on behalf of the slave politically and through the Underground Railroad, and she illustrates how local women courageously fought against slavery. Miller will identify her anti-slavery initiatives and put them in historical perspective. Signed copies of Miller’s recently published book, Jane Varney Durgin – Trick Rider, Quaker Preacher, Opponent of Slavery – Her Life and Times, will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Gilmanton Year Round Library by calling 364-2400 or by emailing
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CENTER HARBOR — On Saturday, October 4 the Ellacoya Chapter will be holding its monthly public Bean Supper at the Squam Valley Masonic Building on Rt 3/25 at the Center Harbor/Holderness town line. Tickets are available at the door at 4:30 p.m. followed by the start of serving at 5 p.m. that continues until 6:30 p.m. or until food runs out.The proceeds of the club's fundraising activities, in addition to helping the chapter meet its necessary expenses, are shared with local, state and national organizations such as area Visiting Nurse Associations, Food Banks, American Cancer Society and scholarships for young people. Ellacoya Chapter, together with the Eastern Star chapter in Bristol, sponsors Plymouth Assembly, International Order of Rainbow for Girls.

The building is air conditioned and handicap accessible. Cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children. Attendees can choose from the menu including ham, meatballs, baked beans, potato casserole, salads and pies, all prepared by members of the chapter.

MEREDITH — Artist Deb Fairchild will give a class on making Zulu Flowerette Necklaces on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the League of NH Craftsmen Fine Craft Gallery.

Fairchild's class will be an opportunity for people to learn and explore in the rich beading tradition of the African Zulu tribes and see how the necklace is a wonderful introduction to their culture.

This class is ideal for anyone who would like to experiment with beading or for experienced beaders who are looking for a new perspective. No prior experience required. Students should bring eyeglasses or magnifiers if they use these for close work.

The tuition for the class is $30 per student and must be paid in advance. There will be an additional $25 materials fee that will be paid to the instructor on the day of the class. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.

To register either call the League of NH Craftsmen – Fine Craft Gallery at 603.279.7920 or visit the Gallery at 279 Daniel Webster Highway in Meredith.